Gas lighter

ABSTRACT

A gas lighter with a tank for liquefied gas, a burner valve which can be brought into flow connection with an outlet of the tank, an ignition device and an actuation device for effecting the ignition of a gas stream emerging from the burner valve, has a keypad which is accessible from outside, including associated evaluation electronics. The evaluation electronics of the keypad are coupled with the actuation device and the latter can then effect a single ignition of the gas lighter if a code generating a release signal is entered beforehand via the keypad.

[0001] The invention relates to a gas lighter with a tank for liquefied gas, a burner valve which can be brought into flow connection with an outlet of the tank, an ignition device, an actuation device for effecting the ignition of a gas stream emerging from the burner valve as well as a keypad which is accessible to the user from outside including associated evaluation electronics

[0002] In a known gas lighter of this type (DE 87 06 907 U1) a pocket computer with keypad, digital display and solar cells including associated electronics is integrated into the gas lighter. To house this pocket computer, the housing of the gas lighter has a recess into which the pocket computer, formed as a rectangular module, is glued or screwed. In this manner, the gas lighter has a double function, namely on the one hand as conventional lighter and on the other hand as a pocket computer which for example can also give a time display

[0003] It is furthermore already known (DE 90 04 221 U1) to equip a lighter, in particular a lighter which is particularly expensive due to the design of its housing, with an alarm device which produces an acoustic signal when an elastic deformation of the wall of the housing of the lighter takes place. It remains unclear in this case, however, how to distinguish between an authorized and unauthorized use, as obviously every elastic deformation of the housing activates the acoustic alarm.

[0004] For safety reasons, it is not permitted to sell lighters, in particular gas lighters, in a form which resembles a toy or which could be regarded as a toy by children, as there is a danger that children will play with such lighters and also ignite them by manipulation of the customary actuation device.

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a gas lighter which does not allow any unauthorized or unintentional ignition.

[0006] To achieve this object, a gas lighter of the type mentioned at the outset is designed such that the electronics of the keypad are functionally coupled with the actuation device and the latter can effect a single ignition if a code which generates a release signal, is entered beforehand via the keypad. In this connection, an arrangement which includes at least two keys is regarded as a keypad.

[0007] In the case of the gas lighter according to the invention, a release signal is thus generated by means of the keypad, this signal generation requiring the entry of a very specific code. Only when the correct code is entered can the lighter be ignited by means of the actuation device, and then only once. A renewed ignition of the lighter requires the entry beforehand of the code which generates a release signal. In this way an unintentional ignition of the gas lighter is practically excluded, as a result of which the gas lighter according to the invention can safely be left within the reach of children, as they cannot ignite the lighter should they happen to play with it.

[0008] It may be mentioned that the technique of producing a release signal through the entry of a code into a keypad is known in principle. Thus for example door locks are designed in this way so that the door opens only after the generation of a corresponding release signal. Suitable keypads and their associated electronics do not, therefore, need to be explained in more detail.

[0009] In the case of gas lighters with ignition electronics, the activation of the ignition electronics is normally effected by manual depression of a function key or of a contact through which the electronics on the one hand bring the burner valve into flow connection with the outlet of the tank and on the other hand trigger the ignition spark or sparks. In the case of a design according to the invention of such a gas lighter with ignition electronics, the latter are normally blocked. Only when a release signal is generated via the keypad the ignition electronics can be activated in the normal manner in order to ignite the gas stream.

[0010] In the case of other known gas lighters, the ignition is effected by manual displacement of an actuation element. For this purpose, linearly displaceable pushbuttons are widespread. However, it is also known for this purpose to swivel a housing cap or a housing lid out from a closed position in which it covers the valve, into a release position.

[0011] In the case of such a gas lighter with a manually displaceable actuation element to effect the ignition, the actuation element can according to the invention be held in an undisplaceable position by mechanical securing means, and the release signal can disconnect the mechanical securing means, so that the user can ignite the lighter in the usual manner. As soon as the actuation element returns or is moved back to its starting position, the mechanical securing means also return to their starting position, as a result of which a renewed displacement of the actuation element and thus a renewed ignition of the lighter is possible only after generation of a new release signal.

[0012] With such a design, the mechanical securing means may comprise a solenoid which is excited by the release signal and moves a securing element against elastic force out of the displacement path of the actuation element.

[0013] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by means of a gas lighter of the type mentioned at the outset if a lid which is swivellably attached to the lighter housing and effects, when in the opened state, the connection of the burner valve to the outlet of the gas tank. The lid is kept locked in its closed position by mechanical securing means, and a release signal, which moves the mechanical securing means into a release position, can be generated by the entry of a code via the keypad.

[0014] In the case of gas lighters known per se with a swivellable lid, the flow of gas through the burner valve takes place through the swivelling of the lid into the opening position so that the user can ignite the flame by activating the ignition mechanism As gas thus flows out continuously when the lid is opened, the user will close this lid again immediately when he no longer wishes to ignite the lighter or use it in the ignited state. Therefore, with this development according to the invention, a securing of the lid against unauthorized opening is produced by the provided mechanical securing means, and these unlock the lid only when a release signal has been generated via the keypad.

[0015] In a preferred design of this lighter, the mechanical securing means comprise a swivellable latch for engaging with a latch means of the lid, which latch, through the activation of a solenoid, is moved against the force of a spring into the release position and thus makes possible the opening of the lid. Only a brief activation of the solenoid takes place, so that the latter releases the latch again after a period of for example 2 to 5 seconds and the latter is pressed by the spring into its locking position. If the lid is then already closed again, the latch engages with the latch means. If the lid is only subsequently moved into the closure position, the latch snaps into the latch means of the lid.

[0016] The invention is explained in the following in more detail using the figures showing schematic embodiments.

[0017]FIG. 1 shows schematically a gas lighter with ignition electronics

[0018]FIG. 2 shows in a partial representation the device for opening and closing the outlet of the tank of the lighter according to FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 3 shows in a representation according to FIG. 1 a gas lighter with an actuation element in the form of a pushbutton.

[0020]FIG. 4 shows another lighter in a principal representation.

[0021] The gas lighter represented schematically in FIG. 1 contains in a housing 1 having a flame passage outlet in its upper wall and a tank 2 for liquefied gas with a gas outlet not shown in more detail on which is arranged the valve housing 11 (FIG. 2) of a burner valve. In this valve housing is located in customary manner a burner pipe 3 which has a gas outlet 5 at its upper end. The burner pipe 3 is loaded by a compression spring 16 (FIG. 2) in the direction of the outlet of the tank 2, 4 which outlet is in connection with the opening 18 of the valve housing 11. The opening 18 is normally closed by a sealing plate 12 provided at the bottom end of the burner pipe 3. Only if the burner pipe 3 is raised against the force of the compression spring 16 does gas flow out of the tank 2 into the valve housing 11, through the inlet 17 of the burner pipe 3 and out of its gas outlet 5, so that a flame can be ignited.

[0022] To ignite such a flame, there are present in housing 1 ignition electronics 9 known per se powered by a battery 10 which electronics, upon manual actuation of a contact 7, allow an ignition spark to flash over from an electrode 6 which effects the ignition of the gas emerging from the gas outlet 5 of the burner pipe 3.

[0023] In order that a gas outflow takes place, not only is an ignition spark produced upon actuation of the contact 7, but the ignition electronics also effect an excitation of the solenoid 15 (FIG. 2), so that the latter attracts its armature 14, as a result of which the burner lifting lever 4 is swivelled about the bearing point 13 and the burner pipe 3 is raised. This leads to the gas outflow described.

[0024] The structure described above and the mode of operation are customary for gas lighters with ignition electronics and therefore require no further explanation.

[0025] As indicated in FIG. 1, the gas lighter shown has a keypad 8 containing three keys and also evaluation electronics, not shown, co-operating in customary manner with the keys, which are also powered by the battery 10. The keys of the keypad 8 are accessible from outside so that the user can enter a code via these in the form of a PIN number. Only when the correct code is entered a release signal is generated which “clears” the ignition electronics so that an actuation of the contact 7 leads to the previously described ignition of the lighter. Without such a release signal, neither the raising of the burner pipe 3 nor the triggering of an ignition spark takes place upon actuation of contact 7.

[0026] The gas lighter according to FIG. 3 partially contains components which are the same as those from FIGS. 1 and 2 or have the same function. These are designated with the same reference numerals in FIG. 3 as in FIGS. 1 and 2, but with an additional ′, and are not explained again.

[0027] Different from the gas lighter according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gas lighter according to FIG. 3 is ignited by means of an actuation key 22 which is manually displaceable downwards from the position shown, and which on the one hand acts on a piezo unit 24 with an electrode 21 producing ignition sparks, and on the other hand effects the raising of the burner pipe 3′ by swivelling of the burner lifting lever 4′.

[0028] In the non-use position, a securing element 23, which prevents a displacement of the actuation key 22 from the position shown in FIG. 3, lies in the path of movement of the actuation key 22. This securing element 23 is attached to the armature 14′ of a solenoid 15′ and the armature 14′ is pressed in a manner not shown by spring force into the position shown in FIG. 3, in which the displacement of the actuation key 22 and thus the ignition of the lighter is not possible.

[0029] To ignite the lighter, the user enters a code in the manner described in connection with the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 via the keypad 8′ so that a release signal is generated which causes an excitation of the solenoid 15′. It should be noted that a code is thereby entered into the keypad 8′, which in this case has only two keys, such that the two keys are actuated in a prespecified and optionally repeated sequence. By entering the code, the securing element 23 is moved together with the armature 14′ against the spring force to the left in FIG. 3′ and thus the securing element 23 out of the path of movement of the actuation key 22. The excitation of the solenoid 14′ can be maintained for example for between 3 and 10 seconds. In this time, the user can depress the actuation key 22 so that gas emerges from the gas outlet 5′ of the burner pipe 3′ and this is ignited by a spark of the piezo unit.

[0030] If the user then re-releases the actuation key 22, the securing element 23 moves, as a result of the acting spring force, back into the position shown in which it securely prevents a new depression of the actuation key 22.

[0031] The gas lighter according to FIG. 4 is only shown in outline and partially contains components which correspond to those from FIGS. 1 to 3 or have the same function. These are given the same reference numerals in FIG. 4 as in FIGS. 1 to 3, but with an additional ″, and are not explained again.

[0032] Different from the gas lighters according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the gas lighter according to FIG. 4 has a lid 25 which, in a manner which is known per se and is therefore not described, effects in opened state the connection of burner valve and outlet of the tank so that, when the lid 25 is open, gas constantly streams out of the tank, not shown. In this position the user can effect the ignition of the flame say via ignition electronics, not shown.

[0033] When the lid 25 is closed, a latch 26, which is swivellable about the axis 28 on the housing 1 of the gas lighter, of a mechanical securing device, engages, as visible in FIG. 4, behind a latch means or stop 27 on the lid 25 and thus secures the lid against a swivelling into the opened position. The bottom end of latch 26 is pivotably connected to the armature 14″ of a solenoid 15″. The armature 14″ is pushed to the left in FIG. 4 by the force of a spring 29 so that it presses the latch 26 into the engagement position with the stop 27 of the lid 25. If the correct code is entered via the keypad 8″ and thus a release signal generated, the solenoid 15″ is excited and pulls the armature 14″ to the right against the force of the spring 29, as a result of which the latch 26 is swivelled out of the engagement position with the stop 27. The user can thus open the lid 25. The excitation of the solenoid 15″ is maintained only for a short period, say for 2 to 5 seconds, so that the spring 29 then again effects the swivelling back of the latch 26 into its represented locking position. If the lid 25 is already closed again at this point, the latch 26 overlaps the stop 27 as shown. If the lid is only subsequently swivelled into the closure position, the correspondingly inclined surface of the stop 27 glides along the inclined end surface of the latch 26 and swivels this anticlockwise in FIG. 4 until the stop 27 releases the latch 26 and this can pivot into the locking position shown. 

1. Gas lighter with a tank (2; 2′) for liquefied gas, a burner valve (3, 11; 3′) which can be brought into flow connection with an outlet of the tank (2; 2′), an ignition device (6, 9; 21, 24), an actuation device (7; 22) effecting the ignition of a gas stream emerging from the burner valve (3, 11; 3′) and a keypad (8; 8′) accessible to the user from the outside including associated evaluation electronics, characterized in that the evaluation electronics of the keypad (8; 8′) are functionally coupled with the actuation device (7; 22) and this can effect a single ignition if a code which generates a release signal, is entered beforehand via the keypad (8; 8′)
 2. Gas lighter according to claim 1 with ignition electronics (9), characterized in that the ignition electronics (9) are activated by the release signal.
 3. Gas lighter according to claim 1 with a manually displaceable actuation element (22) for effecting the ignition, characterized in that the actuation element (22) is kept in undisplaceable position by mechanical securing means (14′, 15′, 23) and in that the release signal disconnects the mechanical securing means (14′, 15′, 23).
 4. Gas lighter according to claim 3, characterized in that mechanical securing means (14′, 15′, 23) comprise a solenoid (15) which is excited by the release signal and moves a securing element (23) against spring force out of the displacement path of the actuation element (22).
 5. Gas lighter with a tank for liquefied gas, a burner valve which can be brought into flow connection with an outlet of the tank, an ignition device, an actuation device effecting the ignition of a gas stream emerging from the burner valve and a keypad (8″) accessible to the user from the outside including associated evaluation electronics, characterized in that a lid (25) is swivellably attached to the lighter housing (1″), which lid, in the opened state, effects the connection of the burner valve to the outlet of the gas tank such that the lid, through mechanical securing means (14″, 15″, 26, 29) is held locked in its closed position and in that through entry of a code via the keypad (8″) a release signal is generated which moves the mechanical securing means (14″, 15″, 26, 29) into a release position.
 6. Lighter according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical securing means (14″, 15″, 26, 29) have a swivellable latch (26) for engaging with a latch means (27) of the lid (1) which latch (26), through activation of a solenoid (14″, 15″), is moved against the force of a spring (29) into the release position and thus makes possible the opening of the lid (25). 